On Saturday Sam Ficken made three field goals — including a career-long 46 yards — as Penn State won its season opener over Syracuse. The junior is riding a streak of 13 straight field goals that dates to last season.

Last season some fans were calling for Ficken’s head after he missed four field goals in a 17-16 loss to Virginia.

PennLive’s Bob Flounders wonders if the kicker’s recent success will alter coach Bill O’Brien’s fourth-down thinking when the Lions are in the other team’s 35.

Ficken wasn’t the only Nittany Lion honored by the conference for his play against the Orange. Quarterback Christian Hackenberg was named freshman of the week after going 22-for-31 with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Here is a little more Tuesday morning quarterbacking after Penn State’s 23-17 win:

That means the Senators will open the Western Division playoffs in Erie on Wednesday. The first two games will be played Erie and the rest of the best-of-five series will be played at Metro Bank Park beginning on Friday.

Now that the regular season is over, it’s time to unveil PennLive’s pick for MVP. Brian Goodwin, the Washington National’s top-ranked outfield prospect heading into the season, led the team in runs, hits, triples and total bases. He also ranked in the top six in RBIs, home runs, doubles and walks.

That all adds up to an MVP title based on PennLive’s point system — 5, 3 and 1 points were awarded to three players after each win and two points were given to one player after a loss. Goodwin’s 60 points outdistanced Nathan Karns (49), Ricky Hague (48) and Steven Souza (47).